Meeting with Rector Day

March 10, 2011

This afternoon, I met with Rector Nick Day to express my concerns about an open letter he wrote earlier this week to the federal Liberal party leader. He wrote the letter as Rector, and not as an individual citizen.

The University's position is that this was inappropriate.

The views in the letter are not the issue - agree or disagree, he is entitled to them - it's the context in which he communicated his personal opinion.

Mr. Day's views do not and should not be seen as being representative of those of the University or Queen's students.

The university has been contacted by students, alumni, and others, who believe Mr. Day should no longer have the privilege of holding this office.

As a student-elected representative, the Rector is answerable to Queen's student body. The issue is being discussed tonight at AMS Assembly.

I take this situation very seriously and I will be monitoring developments. In our conversation, I asked Rector Day to consider the impact of his actions and take steps to separate his personal views from the university position he currently holds. I am hopeful he will do so immediately.